Students Design a Better Box, and Millions Watch the Results on YouTube New packaging idea goes viralBy David Gianatasio

December 27, 2013, 11:27 AM EST

Henry Wang and Chris Curro, students at Cooper Union's Albert Nerken School of Engineering, deliver a Boxing Week viral smash in support of their Rapid Packing Container, a cardboard box that's easy to assemble, open and recycle.

It uses about 15% less paper than traditional boxes, takes no tape to seal, can be opened by pressing its lid and is even reversible for label-free reuse. The inventors are seeking a patent and manufacturing partners.

Some commenters say the new design would come undone in real-world warehouse conditions. Even so, I give major points to the young innovators for trying to find a new way to deliver the goods—and for posting a clip that's packed enough of a wallop to generate 2.5 million YouTube views in less than week.

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Henry Wang and Chris Curro, students at Cooper Union's Albert Nerken School of Engineering, deliver a Boxing Week viral smash in support of their Rapid Packing Container, a cardboard box that's easy to assemble, open and recycle.

It uses about 15% less paper than traditional boxes, takes no tape to seal, can be opened by pressing its lid and is even reversible for label-free reuse. The inventors are seeking a patent and manufacturing partners.

Some commenters say the new design would come undone in real-world warehouse conditions. Even so, I give major points to the young innovators for trying to find a new way to deliver the goods—and for posting a clip that's packed enough of a wallop to generate 2.5 million YouTube views in less than week.